Birch Burl Mug - Scandinavia - Late Seventeenth Century

This astonishing tankard is made of birch burl, which is a woody growth of a tree highly valued by cabinetmakers for its richness and rarity. This piece was made in Scandinavia at the end of the 17th century. Popular object, elegantly rustic, the refined Nordic aesthetic is quite remarkable through this sober decor. The four legs of the mug represent elongated lions, while the handle is also surmounted by a lion figure. The lid is adorned with small metal studs decorated with flowers and its center has the carved image of a lion. Traditional object, characteristic of Nordic culture, it is intended to receive a glass container to contain a liquid. Its personal aspect is underlined by the presence of the name of its owner, pyrographed under the mug (LIS).